Forum Theater Brings Real-Life Situations to the Stage, and You Are the Actors
In Vietnam, a novel form of theater is quietly making an impact, not just on stage, but in classrooms, communities, and people's lives. Known as Forum Theater, this interactive art form transforms audience members from passive viewers into active participants. Developed by Brazilian threater practitioner Augusto Boal, Forum Theater was created as a space to “rehearse for real life,” allowing theatergoers to step into the shoes of others, explore difficult situations, and test out new possibilities.
Paul Christiansen in Environment
The Overwhelming Presence of Nature's Most Inspiring Sound: Cát Tiên's Gibbon Call
What is your favorite sound?
Văn Tân in Natural Selection
Hoa Bưởi's Fleeting but Fragrant Season Teaches Us to Find Beauty in Impermanence
Every year during this time, I can’t help but hanker for a taste of sugarcane infused with hoa bưởi, or pomelo blossom. Only hoa bưởi’s tender aroma can accentuate the flavor of this humble snack several folds.
A Botanical Illustrator Captures Vietnam's Flora on Paper, One Species at a Time
When science and art commingle in a botanical illustration, it’s as if a magical world appears, where colors, brushstrokes, and lighting work together to not only replicate but also breathe life into nature’s best creations.
Lúa Ma, the Mekong's Ancient Wild Rice Varieties Holding Secrets to Climate Resilience
“It’s been so long I can barely remember. It’s delicious, fragrant, soft but not sticky,” says Trần Văn Lựa, 53, a farmer from Đồng Tháp Province, south-west Vietnam, recalling the taste of wild rice. As a child, he would harvest the grain during flood season, when wild rice flowers. Today, however, it is a rare sight.
Paul Christiansen in Natural Selection
Cầy Mực, the Fluffy Bearcat Whose Pee Really Smells Like Popcorn
Vietnam is home to a diverse range of species, from the elusive sao la to Hanoi's pungently fragrant hoa sữa. As an ode to the wondrous nature of the country, we're introducing a new article series, Natural Selection. Each article will feature a species of plant or animal native to Vietnam — starting with the laidback cầy mực (binturong).
As Saltwater Intrudes More of Mekong Delta, Durian Farmers Struggle to Stay Afloat
Nguyễn Văn Quại, 63, walked slowly on the muddy dirt path in his yard, his hands clasped behind his back. He stopped beside a tree split in half, its branches dipping into the stagnant water of a narrow moat, and gestured towards the rest of his leafless crop — their trunks yellow, their bark cracked and brittle.
Khôi Phạm in Tech
On Vietnam's Internet, You're a Mom, I'm a Mom, Everyone Is a Mom
I am a mom. Well, not in the most conventional meaning of the word — I am childless, and it’s still biologically impossible for men to give birth the last time I checked, but for most of my existence on the Vietnamese cybersphere, I have been using the designation “mẹ” amongst my closest friends.
JICA Suggests Urban Railway Could Help Reduce Air Pollution in Saigon, Hanoi
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is helping authorities to develop a measuring, reporting and verification system for Vietnam’s urban railway systems.
Hanoi Should Clamp Down on Single-Use Plastic, Experts Say
In a meeting last Friday, experts warned Hanoi authorities about the city’s growing plastic waste problem.
Coach Park Hang-Seo Extends Contract With Vietnam Football Federation
Good news for Vietnamese football fans!
Chris Humphrey in Environment
The Campaign Aiming to End Vietnam's Gruesome Buffalo Fights
Sharpened horns, gashed eyes and slashed skin are hallmarks of buffalo fighting festivals that animal rights organizations are trying to close down.
Being Human: How Can We Cope With Climate Change Grief?
Saigoneer is proud to announce ‘Being Human,’ our new series dedicated to mental health.
Vo Trong Nghia Studio Wins Dezeen’s 'Architect of the Year' Award
Vo Trong Nghia and his studio have established a reputation both in Vietnam and elsewhere for incorporating local and inexpensive materials in their designs.
[Photos] Spicing up the Typical Saigon Tube House With Geometry and Unusual Colors
The tube house is Saigon’s idiosyncratic architectural feature, but at times, their design can be woefully repetitive and uninspiring. Which makes them the perfect canvas for architects to exercise th...
Ocean Cleanup to Pilot Trash-Collecting Boat in Can Tho
Ocean Cleanup is a non-governmental organization found by Dutch engineer Boyan Slat, who aims to remove plastic from the ocean using technology.
Binh Duong to Build 'World Trade Center' With Link to Saigon Metro
Binh Duong has unveiled plans to construct a massive commercial complex in hopes of boosting the local economy and investment opportunities.
Both Hanoi and Saigon Will Face Extensive Flooding by 2050, New Data Shows
A new research paper from Climate Central reveals an even more harrowing future for coastal cities around the world, including in Vietnam, compared to previous predictions.
Southern Vietnam, Including Saigon, Will Be Submerged by 2050, New Data Shows
A new research paper from Climate Central reveals an even more harrowing future for coastal cities around the world, including in Vietnam, compared to previous predictions.
Vietnam Among Top 15 Countries With Lowest Average Height, Official Says
All heights are beautiful.
Marvel Mobile Game Unveils New Southeast Asian, Including Vietnamese, Superheroes
The three Southeast Asian characters were created exclusively for the mobile game Marvel Future Fight.
Saigon Metro Construction Avoids Halt as Cost Revisions Approved by Ministries
The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has been trying to increase the cost for both of the city's first two metro lines for a while.
[Photos] The Oddly Comforting Mix of Old and New in Thu Thiem
Directly opposite downtown Saigon, a new city is growing that stretches far beyond what the eye can see.
Binh Dinh Suspends Wind Energy Project Over Destruction of 140 Hectares of Forest
Despite years of construction, the wind farm project is nowhere to be seen, while the nearby protection forest has been severely damaged.
Survey Fails to Find Two Sea Turtle Species Off Northern, Central Coasts
Bad news for Vietnam's sea turtle population.
Long-Delayed 'Twin Towers' Project Near Ben Thanh Resumes Construction
After years in limbo, one of Saigon’s long-stalled projects has recently resumed construction.
Grab Dabbles in Long-Distance Trips With Buses Between HCMC, Vung Tau
GrabBus is Grab’s newest addition to transform itself into a super app in Vietnam, offering an array of everyday services in one place.
Dong Thap's Number of Sarus Cranes Has Shrunk by 100 Times Since 1998
Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap Province is a wetland area reserved for a waterfowl habitat under the Ramsar Convention.
